Saigon Cinnamon vs. Ceylon Cinnamon These cinnamon varieties have similarities, but also a lot of important differences. Are They Any Different? One huge difference to keep in mind is that Saigon ground cinnamon is a variety of cassia and Ceylon is considered as true Ceylon cinnamon powder. This means that they are closely related, but actually, come from different trees. Saigon cinnamon is widely known because of the high concentration of essential oils that it contains. Its flavor is peppery and warm, with a hint of bitte...

Best Garlic Powder Substitute? Garlic powder is a wonderful spice that is well known for its strong flavor, smell, and many uses. Garlic powder is made with garlic that has been dried and ground. Garlic powder may not be as potent as the seasoning in its fresh form; however, it has the benefits of being easier to work with and having a longer shelf life. It is found in most spice mixes, medicinal supplements, and food products. Garlic powder can also be used as a home remedy for colds, and each ounce of it contains vitamin...

Cumin vs. Turmeric Both cumin and turmeric are widely used in curry recipes but, they are very different from each other, contrary to what people might think. What is Cumin? Cumin is a plant which is native to the Mediterranean region and its seeds are used in cooking stews, curries, and other dishes. This spice has a distinctive flavor that is earthy and sweet. Traditionally, Cumin is used to prevent muscle spasms and it is a preventative for gas. It also aids in digestion. Get new spice blends every mo...

Decoding Curry Powder: Origins, Varieties, and Culinary Adventures Discover the essence of curry powder, from its historical roots to the multitude of flavors it encompasses. Uncover the truth about the spiciness of curry powder and explore tantalizing recipes that go beyond traditional curries. Join us on a flavorful adventure through spices and culinary creativity. Behind the Seasoning: Curry Powder - What is it? Uses & Recipes Often overlooked in the spice rack, Curry powder is about to take center stage. In this detailed exploration, we'll cover...

Top Ten Recipes That Use Herbs de Provence Have you Herb of These Recipes? While we love all the spice blends in our pantry, Herbs de Provence is the crème brulée of the crop when comes to its versatility, aroma, and taste. A delectable cornucopia of herbs inspired by herbs grown on south side of France, our RawSpiceBar Herbs de Provence can season just about any meal for any foodie. We’ve broken down our top ten favorite Herbs de Provence recipes. Herbilicious Definition: Makes Taste Buds Go Loco A cuisine chameleon, Herbs de Proven...

Do Spices Expire? When to Replace Your Spices. Spices: For Flavor, Not Forever Spices are often accumulated over time, growing as we discover how to season foods to our liking. However, if you were jamming out to a Sony Walkman the last time you went through your spices, it might be time to give the ole’ collection a refresh. Even if your spices are relatively new, everyone picks up a spice container and wonders, “Does this expire?” Shelf Life of Spices Instead of spoiling, spices past their prime lose flavor and potency. They can even ...

Origin Stories: Who Invented Chili? Whether you like your chili spicy, savory, or sweet (yes, that’s a thing), this comfort dish is an American staple. But how exactly did chili come about? We are glad you asked. A Meaty History What do the ingredients of chili and its equally hearty history have in common? No one can seem to agree on what is the “correct” version of it. Some stories claim that the Aztecs created the dish. Others claim that a 17th century nun astral projected to West Texas and ate a meal of chili peppers, tomat...

The Difference Between Red, Green, & Yellow Curry No Two (Or Three) Curries Are Alike Delicious and packed with flavor, curries often have us scurrying to the table for seconds. But have you ever noticed how the taste, heat factor, and colors of curry can vary drastically? That’s because there are many ways to curry. And we mean many. Keep Calm & Curry On Since curry translates to “sauce,” mixing a variety of spices and creating a whole new way to experience curry is a frequent occurrence. From phal curry based in the UK to madras curry ...

How to Use Herbs de Provence An Herb of All Trades They say that a jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one. We couldn’t agree more. Offering a cornucopia of cuisine versatility, Herbs de Provence effortlessly enhances any meal with its aromatic, savory nature. And we mean any meal. The Delicious Taste of Versatility Every diet, taste, and cuisine preference has room for interpretation when it comes to Herbs de Provence. Perfect on chicken, lamb, fish, and vegetables, our Herb...

North Carolina Barbecue: My Way Or the Highway Nearly everyone in North Carolina will agree that barbecue is a mealtime staple. However, pigs will fly before everyone agrees on the best way to cook barbecue. For many, this conjures up whole-hog versus shoulder and vinegar- versus ketchup-based sauces. But the real competition heats up at the grill. Bring on the Heat Direct cooking is prominent in Western Carolina-style barbecue, placing the meat directly above the flame for a crisp, slightly charred outside and tender, juicy inside. Fast...

Ways Sazón Is Used In Latin American Cooking Get Your Sazón On A good spice blend can enhance some your favorite meals, but a great spice blend can enhance a variety of meals. That is why our savory, fragrant RawSpiceBar Sazón Blend is a must-have addition to your pantry. A Sazón for Everyone Does Latin American cooking vary between its 33 countries? Yes. Are the distinct flavors created from cross-cultural fusions through time further enhanced by our Sazón Blend? Also yes, and we have compiled a few popular dishes to get you started:...

How French Cuisine Influenced Global Cooking France: A Food Lover’s Paris-dise Ah, France. Home to exquisite architecture, romance, and culinary experiences that are très magnifique. But did you know that you don’t have to book a plane ticket to experience the impact of French cooking? From molecular gastronomy to the creation of restaurants, French culinary influences can be seen today both on and off the plate. The French (Culinary) Empire The roots of degustation (tasting) menus started under the reign of the many King Louis’s fro...

Bloomed, Smoked, or Toasted Spices: Which One is Best? Great Advice for Greater Spice When it comes to cooking, the word “bland” or “boring” should never come within the stratosphere of favorite meals. That is why food lovers around the world are constantly finding new ways to unlock a world of flavor. Take your favorite spices, for example. Sure, sprinkling them on top of your meals is fine, but have you tried blooming, smoking, or toasting your spices for even more flavor? Blooming with Flavor You don’t have to have a green thumb to bloom your ...

Best Fenugreek Substitute? Fenugreek seeds have a somewhat bitter taste, similar to celery, maple syrup or burnt sugar, and are often used to make medicine. However, fenugreek, like many spices has a far more pleasant taste when cooked. The seeds are the most widely used part of fenugreek, which are usually dried and ground. The leaves are often used in cooking as well. Fenugreek is used in many curry powder blends, such as garam masala, as well as in other Indian spices & blends, plus Indian dishes like chutneys. ...

Best Ancho Chili Powder Substitute? Ancho chile powder is a staple in Mexican cuisine and is one of the most popular spices in the region, part of its ‘holy trinity’ -- this powder has moderate heat and is made from dried and ground poblano chiles. This spice is usually used in sauces, salsa, and most especially Mole. Ancho chile powder is easy to find almost anywhere. Many specialty Mexican groceries and some supermarkets may carry ancho pepper powder. This spice has a sweet and earthy flavor that imparts a fruitiness to dishe...

Best Allspice Substitute? Need an allspice berries replacement in a hurry? We've got the best substitutes using the spices you probably already have on your shelf. Sometimes referred to in Jamaica as “pimento” (Spanish for “pepper”), allspice got its name because its flavor shares some of the characteristics of these three spices along with that of peppercorns. Allspice berries are core flavor base of many South Asian dishes and varies regionally as well as from one cook to another. Be wary of pre-ground allspice ...